Stacy Mcdonald-Taylor
Morning Routine Madness: Fostering Independence in Your Child
Helping our children develop independence as the school year starts sounds beautiful. I can see the flawless Instagram-worthy image in my head. All the children packing their own lunches, double-checking homework, perfectly combing their...
Easy, At-Home Fourth of July Crafts
I cannot believe it is already the Fourth of July this week — summer is certainly flying by! Independence Day is an exciting time in Jacksonville, and there are so many amazing, fun community...
10 Things People Need to Stop Asking Moms
One of the things you learn from the moment you become a woman of child-bearing years is that almost everyone feels like they have a license to ask ridiculously personal details about your “mom...
Big Learning Apps for Little Kids
Screen time for toddlers and young children is one of those hot-button topics that often sparks debate in play circles. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidelines for screen time. They recommend...
Beyond Story Time: 10 Things You May Not Know About the Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library and its awesome librarians played a huge role during those tender pre-pre-K years with my children. Hopefully, you already know that all of our JPL branches have amazing story times, music...
Peter Rabbit, a Stone Cold Killer?
Let me preface this by saying my family loves Peter Rabbit.
The books, the cartoons, the little stuffed plushes. He is mischievous, quirky, and loves a garden as much as we do. The antics of...
Experience the Chinese New Year Celebration
You may think, with January in the rearview mirror, that New Year’s celebrations are done. If you do, you are missing out on one the best celebrations of the season. Because the Lunar New...
Finding Your Dory: Extending Grace in Troubled Times
Not too long ago, while I was volunteering at my son’s school, a fellow volunteer called me Dory. Dory, as in the little blue fish who originated in the animated classic, Finding Nemo. It...
Just Say No To Candy: Non-Food Valentines for Kids
Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday. I enjoy the bubbly fun Valentine’s Day brings; but the candy-coated rush to get valentines ready for every friend, classmate, teacher, and tutor we have makes me...
No Spoilers Here: Making the Most of Your ‘Star Wars’ Movie Experience
"I am a Jedi, like my father before me."
True story, even though, I will admit I’m not a Skywalker. I can still remember playing with Star Wars toys on the living room floor with...
5 Ways to Cultivate Joy in Giving
I love this time of year. I am blasting holiday tunes in my car, festive lights are twinkling and my favorite side dishes are about to become a staple in my house again. Yum!...
Teal is the New Orange
It’s official! Teal is the new orange this Halloween. Have you spotted all the beautiful teal pumpkins around town? These guys are not just a trend — they are a trend with a purpose....